From one person’s vision to a thriving community space, LithGrow celebrates a decade of connection, creativity and wellbeing.
What started as an idea has blossomed into a much-loved community space, with LithGrow Community Garden celebrating 10 years of bringing people together through gardening, creativity and connection.
The vision began with Veronica, a participant with Ability Links who dreamed of creating an inclusive garden where people of all abilities could come together, connect with others and experience the many physical, social and emotional benefits of gardening.
That vision became a reality through Ability Links NSW, with former Linker Leanne Walding establishing the garden through the PCYC Lithgow.
The garden officially opened its gates on 29 September 2016, with the first stage made possible through the collaboration between Ability Links, PCYC Lithgow, Lithgow Information Neighbourhood Centre, Lithgow Men’s Shed, Bunnings and Westfund.
From there, LithGrow has continued to grow through the generosity and commitment of the wider community.
Grants and donations from State and Federal Government programs, Lithgow City Council, EnergyAustralia, Transgrid, Lithgow Workies and community members have all played an important role in developing the garden into the space it is today.
“LithGrow is about so much more than gardening. It is about people coming together, having a sense of belonging, learning new skills, sharing experiences and creating friendships.”
Growing wellbeing and connection
Research and community experience continue to highlight the many benefits of gardening, including increased physical activity, improved mental wellbeing, reduced stress, connection with nature, opportunities for social interaction and a greater sense of purpose and achievement.
For LithGrow members, the garden provides a welcoming place where everyone can contribute in their own way.
Today, an average of 40 people participate in the garden, with volunteers contributing more than 1,100 hours over the past 12 months.
Those volunteer hours tell only part of the story.
Behind every hour are conversations shared, friendships formed, plants grown, artwork created, skills learned and people who have found a place where they feel connected and valued.
Come and celebrate 10 years
The LithGrow community is inviting everyone to join them for a special 10th anniversary celebration on Sunday, 27 September, 2026 at 10am at Lithgow PCYC.
Current volunteers and members will host the morning, with guests invited to enjoy a homemade morning tea, plant a succulent and spend time exploring the Art in the Garden space.
It will be an opportunity to celebrate the people and organisations who have helped LithGrow grow over the past decade — and to look towards the future.
From Veronica’s original vision to the thriving community garden it is today, LithGrow is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together.
Everyone is welcome. Come along, celebrate 10 years of LithGrow and be part of the next chapter.
Sunday, 26 September | 10am | Lithgow PCYC
Come along, share a cuppa, plant something, create something — and celebrate a garden that has helped a community grow.
